Know your Way around the Treasures of County Tyrone

Ireland is divided into 32 counties. The northern part has 6 counties, and County Tyrone is one of them. In the Irish language, it is called “Tír Eoghain,” which means “land of Eoghan.” The name “County Tyrone” comes from Tyrone, the Gaelic kingdom that survived until the 17th century.

The county lies on the shores of the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, Lough Neagh. With all the significant history every county in Ireland has, County Tyrone is critical, especially regarding beautiful scenery and pop culture. So, here, you can know your way around some of the most exciting treasures in the county.

The Stone Circles in Beaghmore

The stone circles and cairns in Beaghmore are some of the most mysterious places around Ireland and date back to the Bronze Age. No one knows for sure why they existed or what their purpose was. Yet their secrecy and unique location attract curious people and those interested in paranormal things.

The circles’ location extends for around 10 miles towards the northwestern direction of Cookstown, precisely in the southeastern part of the Sperrin Mountains. The spot was discovered in the 1940s during a peat cutting. The site contains seven stone circles, six of which are said to be paired. It also includes ten stone rows and tens of round cairns, some of which have human bone remains buried under them.

You can differentiate between a single circle and paired circles by size. Paired circles are a bit bigger than single ones. The interior of the single circle is also very unique, as it has more than 800 small stones gathered inside of it, which is why it’s called “the dragon teeth.”

Some would think this is just a space with some stones placed in a particular order; what’s so special about it?! Well, we said it attracts those interested in weird and mysterious spots. The nature of the site suggests it was a place where people in the past had either social or religious gatherings to perform certain rituals.

Some archaeologists have a different theory. They believe these circles were formed by some mysterious relationship with the sun when it reaches the highest or lowest point in the sky (solstice). Or maybe they have some relationship with the movements of the sun and the moon.

Interestingly, three of the stone rows are placed in the direction of the sunrise at the solstice, and others are placed in the direction of the moonrise at the solstice. However, nothing has been discovered regarding these placements, so little is known about them.

Some people say that the human bone that remains there belongs to children. Some said they heard children’s voices while visiting. Others said they felt a child’s existence touching their hands. Other stories report that they felt weird energy on the site.

Whether these stories are true or just affected by the site’s mysterious spirit, visiting the stone circles in County Tyrone would be an exciting experience. So don’t wait; discover the secrets of the spot yourself!

Discover the Sperrin Mountains

“Sperrin” refers to the Irish word ‘Speirín,’ which means “little pinnacle.” The Spring Mountains are the most prominent highlands spot in Ireland. Those mountains extend between County Tyrone and County Londonderry. Due to its importance and breathtaking scenery, the region is considered an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with a population of approximately 150,000 people living around it.

Thanks to the Ice Age, we can see magnificent views from the stunning valleys of Owenkillew and Glenelly to Barnes Gap and Gortin Glen. The ice during the Ice Age refined all this, leaving us with the breathtaking views we now see around the region. One can see those beautiful views of Errigal and Muckish from far away; they can be seen from County Donegal.

Four driving roads surround the Sperrin Mountains, offering magnificent landscapes and historical views, making the area perfect for road trips. Interestingly, National Geographic listed the Sperrin Mountains’ routes among its Top 101 Scenic Drives worldwide. National Geographic says the Sperrin Mountains have “wild beauty, ideal trails, and dreamy villages.”

The Sperrin Mountains area is also perfect for taking long walks and enjoying the natural scenery. It is also famous for parachuting, horse riding, and gliding. If you’re there, you might also visit the Stone Circles at Beaghmore; they are close. There are many forest and river trails nearby, which can be used to enjoy a walk or cycle at some point.

Travel Back into America’s Presidential History

The Sperrin Mountains and their beautiful natural spots dominate a big part of County Tyrone. They also have an exciting history. There, you can explore a part of America’s presidential history.

In a surprising combination, you can travel back to County Tyrone and discover some of America’s history and the ‘White House’. By visiting Wilson Ancestral Home, you can learn how a local man named James Wilson played a part in shaping the destiny of the United States’ 28^th Presidency.

This white cottage on the Sperrin Mountains’ downhills is where Judge James Wilson lived. James Wilson is the grandfather of America’s 28th President, Woodrow Wilson, who led America through World War I (1914 – 1918). Woodrow served as the President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. James Wilson left this house on the slopes of the Sperrins and immigrated to the United States. And if it wasn’t for him leaving, who knows, his grandson might have never been the President of the United States during that crucial time!

The cottage still holds many of the family’s original belongings, including furniture and a small bed. If you’re visiting, you’ll find a portrait of Judge James Wilson, the President’s grandfather, close to the fireplace in the house.

Speaking of visiting, yes, the place is open to the public! Guided tours usually take place in July and August. It’s important to mention that the opening hours are not fixed and can change occasionally, so it’s better to call in advance and ensure you know the recent opening hours.

Gortin Glen Forest Park

Six miles away from the western direction of the Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone stands Gortin Glen Forest Park. The park has been open since 1967. The different trails at the park allow you to enjoy plenty of the natural fauna and flora. The park is the first forest park built in a pure coniferous forest.

The forest park has an exceptional drive route that extends for 5 miles and offers distinctive scenery. So you can enjoy plenty of pleasant views without getting out of the car.

Besides the enjoyable car journey, visitors can enjoy many activities at the forest park. Those activities include walking, biking up the mountain, and sometimes horse-riding, though this requires permission. Visitors can also enjoy camping at the Gorten Glin Forest Park and maybe some BBQ time.

The forest park has many facilities, including car parks. It opens daily from 10 a.m. until sunset. There are around five colour-coded walking trails at the forest park, and one of them has a cool name! The one with the cool name is ‘Robbers Table’; this walking trail extends for 8.1 miles of hill walking, which offers fantastic views.

The ‘Gortin Forest Nature Trail’ extends 1.25 miles and offers a nice walk in the forest. There is also the ‘Gortin Forest Pollan Trail’, which extends for 1.5 miles and provides a pleasant walk through the trails in the forest. If you’re up for a walk up the hills, the ‘Gortin Forest Ladies View’ trail extends for 2.25 miles and offers a pleasant walking experience. The smallest of the trails, ‘Gortin Lakes’, provides a walk around the forest lakes and extends for 0.6 miles.

So, if this seems interesting to you, it should be interesting!! An adventure around natural scenery, mountains, lakes, and BBQ parties! Who would say no to that?! So, if you’re near County Tyrone or visiting soon, start planning your visit to Gorten Glin Forest Park!

Visit the Ulster American Folk Park in County Tyrone

Ulster American Park is among the places you should check out in County Tyrone. The park is considered an open museum located in Omagh, County Tyrone. Discover the stories and secrets of the Irish who immigrated thousands of years ago to America across the Atlantic. Stroll around cottages made of thatch and log cabins.

The park is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Your visit to Ulster American Folk Park will help you unravel many stories and secrets and give you the chance to try some of their excellent food!

Revive your inner explorer with the 30 different constructions and exhibits. Ulster American Park is a place for both individual explorers and families, as there are plenty of activities. Your visit allows you to step on a replica of the ship immigrants took to travel back to their homes hundreds of years ago.

Everything at the Ulster American Folk Park is unique and different. Even the celebrations of Independence Day on the 4th of July at the park are different. If you’re close to County Tyrone around the 4th of July, it would be perfect to go and enjoy the various celebrations.

The park offers good service and unique hospitality to its visitors. During your visit, you can take a break and enjoy coffee, tea, and a cold drink in the nice weather and perfect setting, especially during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Old Herdman’s Flax Mill

Want to know what to do in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland? Old Herdman’s Flax Mill is a must-visit place to immerse yourself in the history of this charming city.

Dating back to 1835, Old Herdman’s Flax Mill is a historic landmark in Sion Mills, a quaint community built by Herdman’s brother on the banks of River Mourne. Nestled in Sperrin Mountain, the village will provide a tranquil setting, extensive greenery landscapes, and heather-laden moors. Conventively located on the western side of County Tyrone, the best way to reach the village from Belfast is to catch a bus from Belfast Europa Bus Centre that will take you to Sion Mills Melmount Road in about two and 13 minutes for $19 – $26.

Wandering about the town will take you on a journey through time, allowing you to learn about the history of making the best linen in the world. Exactly here, Herdman’s brothers decided to settle down and immediately began building their agricultural empire. They collaborated with many workers to develop this valley and place it on the map of Northern Ireland’s tourist attractions. This facility saved thousands of lives from starvation and was the largest mill in Europe during the Industrial Revolution.

It’s a story of dedication and passion since the family has lived here for seven generations. Herdman’s family applied the concept of sensibility before anyone else. 

But it’s also important to know that this site hosted a corn mill before. When Herdman showed up here, they had an ambitious long-term plan to lay the foundation for a non-sectarian community, not just a developing-manufacturing village. All people are equal and have the same rights, and all people should work together to help their society survive.

Then, the Herdman Brothers brought this site alive by hiring the architectural company Lanyon, Lynn. The family successfully extended its social enterprise in just a few years and constructed another industrial complex that embodied beautiful Italian design.

That’s why you can see, feel, and touch the refreshing contrast. This village holds the way to start over and keep pristine nature as it is.

Going beyond Old Herdman’s Flax Mill is a great idea if you want to chat with locals, play some bagpipes, or cuddle a Highland cow. If you don’t need to follow a guided tour, be careful to read the guidelines and highlights of the place. 

Visit Sion Mills in spring and enjoy lush purple trees. It’s a perfect indulgent break with unbeatable laid-back vibes!

Explore Ardstraw

Ardstraw will give you insight into non-stop ways of life in a small metropolitan area. Nevertheless, there’s still a lot to see and do here. Situated outside Castlederg and Newtownstewart, Ardstraw is brimming with things you should do. 

Suppose you yearn to see the natural beauty and identify the distinctive culture of the UK and Northern Ireland specifically. In that case, you will be invited to see one of the best Northern Ireland villages, Ardstraw. One of the most common errors most visitors make is to limit their attention to only famous sights in favour of worthy places. However, Northern Ireland is home to wonders— it’s all must-dos, but you shouldn’t miss your chance to go beyond Belfast and hike trails of renowned national parks.

Many opportunities to treat your eyes range from antique architecture to impressive buildings with a sense of lively community. 

Partly located in Omagh, the only way to reach this village is to go to Belfast Europa Bus Centre and book a ticket to Omagh.

That means it seems impossible to make it a day trip. Instead, you must stay here for at least one night, which would be a gift. You’ll discover many elegant and traditional accommodations, including world-class amenities in the centre of scenic ambience.

Ardstraw is blessed with a myriad of points of interest. So let’s see what you can do there; take a stroll around the Village Well and sock up this typical atmosphere in which awesome houses with unique medieval-style along the way and ample open spaces for relaxation and fresh air. And it’s not just about historical highlights. The area has recently been invigorated by dynamic new facilities from posh restaurants and other places that are becoming perfect for families. 

Then, head to Ardstraw Presbyterian Church, which stepped inside the history. Stop for a while to explore the church and listen to its history. 

After that, you can take a ride through the Jubilee Stone. It’s a sensory experience that helps you discover hidden corners of Ardstraw. Before leaving, visit the River Derg’s banks with stone towers, walls, and bridges. 

Plan to explore Ardstraw Graveyard, which has endless spaces embracing cattle and provides a more enjoyable experience for domestic communities. This will allow you to make it well and take your pick from the village’s impressive history and nature.

Enjoy the Musical Experience of the Bluegrass Festival

Visiting County Tyrone around September is always a fun experience. It’s the time of the year when one of the biggest music festivals in the region, The Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival, takes place in the Ulster American Folk Park. Pack your stuff and prepare for three days of a fantastic musical experience across Europe and North America.

The award-winning Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival is the largest music festival outside of North America. It features some of the greatest bands in the world of music from Ireland, Canada, and the USA, linking traditional music with the modern world’s musical expressions. This festival attracts more than 5,000 music lovers from around the region.

In addition to its fame, the festival’s location in the Ulster American Folk Park adds to the experience. Given the park’s significance, partly setting, and one-of-a-kind musical experience, you should add this to your list.

Every county in the thirty-two counties around Ireland has its significance, making it unique. If you’re planning your visit to Ireland, you need to list the places you want to go to and what you want to do in each county to have a complete experience. But now, you know your first steps around County Tyrone, and you can cross off your list! Follow our guide to the county, explore more, and have your adventure.

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